Interview with Takashi Kumagai part1

- As a director, you must be engaged in quite a number of projects.

I’m only responsible for the total direction of Biotop and the WILD LIFE TAILOR stores in Ebisu, Marunouchi, and Umeda that were mentioned earlier. Regarding SATURDAY SURF NYC Daikanyama, I assume the role of advisor for its business in Japan. As for the number of projects I’m engaged in at a time, usually no more than what I can count on my fingers.

- How do you feel about the widespread popularity of your suggested lifestyles amongst the general public?

I’ve been proposing lifestyles for quite a while now. I’ve talked about my aspirations to the media and I consider lifestyles and interiors to be my hobbies, so I’m sticking to my word and making sure I continue what I started. Those who are aware of my aspirations and wish to start a business or work in collaboration with me come forth and make an appeal. After a talk, if I feel we’re headed in the same direction, I go for it. Recently, I do a lot of work with Shin Ohori from GENERAL DESIGN. It usually doesn’t work out if we’re headed in different directions.

I loved insects, plants, and animals since I was a child. The two people I used to look up to were Fabre and Seton. I always used to look through pictorial books and I guess that just happened to become my job. The young men of the current generation are truly amazing. At Biotop, the male workers seriously worry about what flower pot to use. An unimaginable scene just a while back. As I see it, everyone potentially possesses a certain amount of interest in plants. However, they never really had a chance to reach out, maybe due to embarrassment or simply not knowing where to buy them. In other words, it’s similar to how people fixate on vintage Levi’s. You know how men like to look up trivial knowledge on this and that, such as which plant is succulent or not. This is exactly the road I hoped they would pursue, and I consider myself lucky that things are proceeding accordingly to my wishes.

- That’s because you set them on that particular path.

I’m the kind of person who needs to be comfortable whether I’m at home or in my studio. It’s basically my hobby.

Takashi Kumagai / 1994 Started working as a stylist. 1998 Started working as a photographer under the name Lake Tajo. Currently works for advertising and magazines as a photographer under his real name Takashi Kumagai. He also works as a director in various fields that include branding for fashion labels and the direction of shop interiors.